Are you a junior member of operational or support staff from a fire and rescue service?

The Fleur Lombard Bursary could give you an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. 

Do you want to: - travel the world to learn about other fire and rescue services?
- improve your understanding of fire service issues?
- broaden your horizons and develop your skills?

Funding is available for junior operational and support staff from any fire and rescue service, provided they meet the aims of the fund: 'To advance the education of junior members of the fire and rescue service by the grant of bursaries to enable them to travel and study fire and rescue services elsewhere in the UK, in Europe, or Worldwide.'

You can download a Fleur Lombard Bursary Application Form (PDF 52kb, opens in a new window) here, plus the bursary checklist (PDF 21kb, opens in a new window)

Completed forms should be sent or emailed to:
Geraldine Gee, Clerk to Avon Fire Authority, AF&RS Headquarters, Temple Back, Bristol, BS1 6EU Geraldine.Gee@avonfire.gov.uk

About Fleur 

Fleur Lombard (1974 - 1996)

Fleur was the first female firefighter to die on duty in peacetime Britain

On Sunday 4 February 1996 AF&RS was called to a fire at Leos supermarket in Staple Hill, Bristol. Fleur, who was serving at Speedwell Fire Station at the time, was inside the building when she was tragically killed while tackling the inferno. 

Fleur was posthumously awarded the Queen's Gallantry Medal and Chief Fire Officer's Commendation in recognition of her bravery. Two of her colleagues who were with her that day were also awarded the George Medal and the Queen's Commendation for Bravery.

The memories of Fleur remain close to the hearts of those in Avon and a memorial stands to commemorate her life near the site of the fire in Staple Hill. A keen windsurfer, Fleur's ashes were interred at St Enodoc Church in Trebetherick, Cornwall, which overlooks Daymer Bay - a windsurfer's haven. 

On graduating in 1994, Fleur received the Silver Axe Award, for most outstanding recruit on her training school. After Fleur's tragic death a trust fund was set up as a fitting tribute to her bravery, courage, dedication and professionalism. The Fleur Lombard Bursary aims to keep Fleur's values alive, helping others progress their careers in the fire and rescue service.